Gainey in prime position in Florida

Reuters

Sat, Nov 10, 2012 - Page 19

Three weeks after clinching his maiden PGA Tour victory, Tommy Gainey put himself in position for a repeat win as he charged into contention for the Children’s Miracle Network Classic at Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Thursday.

The 37-year-old US golfer with an unconventional swing fired a seven-under-par 65 on the Palm Course, one of two layouts hosting the final PGA Tour event of the season, to end the opening round a stroke off the lead.

Gainey birdied two of his last three holes to finish level with Colombian Camilo Villegas, one shot behind South Korean Charlie Wi, who also started out on the Palm layout.

Britain’s Russell Knox, in his rookie season on the PGA Tour, was a further stroke back on 66, along with the US’ Brian Harman and Scott Stallings.

Gainey, who last month won the McGladrey Classic in sensational fashion after closing with a storming 10-under-par 60, was delighted with his start on a blustery day at Lake Buena Vista.

“It’s playing kind of tough out there,” he told reporters after recording six birdies, an eagle at the par-five 14th and a lone bogey in the opening round.

“I’ve got off to a great start, so I gotta focus on maybe trying to win another tournament this week. It’s all about winning again for me, because my goal has not been achieved yet,” he added.

Gainey’s goal is clear-cut. He would dearly love to book a place in next year’s Masters at Augusta National by ending the season in the top 30 in the PGA Tour’s money list.

However, victory this week would not be quite enough as the player nicknamed “Two Gloves” could finish no higher than 32nd with total earnings of US$2,370,703.

“When I’m playing at Augusta, that means I’m also playing in the other majors, so that’s my goal,” said the American with the unusual baseball-style swing, who occupied 56th spot in the money list coming into this week.

“But I cannot get in the top 30 this week. Not with a win. So my goal is just to win anyway. I’m just trying to play my game and just go from there,” he added.

While Gainey is bidding for a second consecutive win on the PGA Tour, Wi is seeking his first after having to settle for a runner-up spot five times since he began playing on the US circuit full-time in 2005.

“The Palm is a course where you need to score and all the par-fives are reachable, so I felt like I took advantage of them really well,” the 40-year-old Korean said.

“What really got me going was No. 7 when I made that eagle putt from about 15 feet and I felt like I had something special going today,” Wi said.

“I know the scores are low out there, and I’m very pleased with eight-under today. I’m hoping this will be a special week,” he added.